Scoring for the New PreACT 9, Explained

If your child is applying to a CPS Selective Enrollment High School this year, you've probably heard that the old admissions test is gone. In its place is the PreACT 9 Secure, and along with it comes an updated, scoring rubric for the 2027-28 admissions cycle. Here's what changed, what stayed the same, and one detail that trips up a lot of families: not every section of the test actually counts toward your score.

The Big Picture
CPS's admissions formula for Selective Enrollment programs is still built on the same principle: half of a student’s admissions points come from the PreACT 9, and half come from a student’s core 7th-grade grades in science, math, language arts, and social studies. That said, the math behind each half has been updated for the PreACT 9.

The total composite is worth 640 points, made up of two equal 320-point halves:

• Test score (320 points): Your child's PreACT 9 Secure composite score (reported on a 1–32 scale) is multiplied by 10. A perfect 32 composite earns the full 320 points.

• 7th-grade grades (320 points): Your child's final 7th-grade GPA across the core subjects is multiplied by 80. A 4.0 GPA earns the full 320 points.
  

Practically, this means:

• Test-day stamina still matters.

• Prep time is best concentrated on English, Math, and Reading, since those are the only three sections feeding the composite.

• Don't panic over a rough Science section on test day. It's informational, not a factor in the score CPS ranks students by.
  

How Do Tiers Impact Scoring?
Every Chicago address falls into one of four socioeconomic Tiers (1–4), based on Census data for that neighborhood. Tier assignment doesn't change anyone's odds of admission, but it does change the score needed to clear the bar.

Here's how seats are actually distributed at each program:

• The top 30% of seats go to the highest-scoring applicants citywide, regardless of tier.

• The remaining 70% of seats are split evenly across the four tiers (17.5% each), with seats in each tier going to that tier's highest scorers.
  

That structure is why cutoff scores differ by tier at the same school. A Tier 1 applicant and a Tier 4 applicant aren't competing against an identical pool for those tier-specific seats.

One important caveat: CPS has published the scoring formula, but not the cutoff scores. Those only exist once every applicant has tested and been ranked, which happens after results come out. Any specific cutoff number floating around today (especially anything referencing the old 900-point CPS HSAT scale) isn't comparable to the new 640-point system and shouldn't be treated as a target.

How Does CPS Break a Tie?
For Selective Enrollment programs specifically, ties are broken in a fixed order:

1. PreACT 9 Math score — the higher Math score wins the tiebreaker first.

2. PreACT 9 Reading score — if Math is also tied, Reading is the next tiebreaker.

3. Random computerized lottery — if both are identical, the remaining seats are assigned by lottery.

Worth noting: Math and Reading section scores carry extra weight beyond the composite, since they're the two sections that decide ties. Choice programs (IB, Military, Fine & Performing Arts, CTE) handle ties differently, as those go straight to a computerized lottery.

Putting it all together
For families prepping for the 2026-27 application cycle, the formula boils down to a short list:

• Keep 7th-grade grades as strong as possible, as they're worth just as much as the test.

• Focus test prep on English, Math, and Reading, the three sections that make up the composite.

• Don't skip Science on test day, but don't lose sleep over it either. Ultimately, it won't affect admissions or composite score.

• Treat any cutoff numbers you see right now as historical or speculative. Real 640-point cutoffs won't exist until after scores are released.

Test Prep Chicago has already built a full PreACT 9 Secure curriculum, so students in our courses, Palooza workshops, and individual tutoring are training on content and strategies that match the actual exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here), one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here), and individual tutoring sessions (sign up here) will continue to run as planned. All of these test prep offerings will feature the new PreACT 9 Secure content and test-taking strategies instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum. Sign up while there’s still time to help your student prepare!

Why No One Can Predict PreACT 9 Cutoff Scores for CPS Selective Enrollment High Schools (2027–28 School Year)

With a new exam playing a huge role in CPS selective enrollment high schools, many families are nervous about the change. There is so much uncertainty around scoring and cutoffs, and many parents just want a target score for their student to aim for. For this cycle, that target number doesn't exist yet. Below, learn why, and how you can help your student prepare to succeed on the test (even without a target score).

1. It's the first year this test has ever been used
CPS replaced the CPS HSAT with the PreACT 9 Secure starting this cycle; as such, for the 2026-27 application season, 8th graders will take the PreACT 9 for the very first time on October 7, 2026 (non-CPS students later in October). For this reason, there are no prior years' PreACT 9 scores from which to determine cutoffs: no score distributions, no precedent.

2. Cutoffs are calculated after everyone tests, not set in advance
Selective enrollment admissions do not use a pass/fail threshold; they use a competitive ranking system within each of the city's four tiers. The "cutoff" for a school/tier is just the score of the last student who meets the threshold and is admitted, which can't exist until every applicant has tested and been ranked.

3. The scoring formula is now public, but a formula isn't a cutoff
As of CPS's rubric published 8/20/2026, the old 900-point composite is now a 640-point scale:

• PreACT 9 Secure — 320 pts (50%): Composite score (1–32) × 10

• 7th Grade GPA — 320 pts (50%): GPA × 80

• Tiebreakers: PreACT 9 Math score → PreACT 9 Reading score → random lottery

This tells families how a score converts to points. Unfortunately, it does not provide information about how many points will be competitive. That still depends on how the full applicant pool performs on a test no one has taken before in this context.

4. The new PreACT 9 is structurally different from the CPS HSAT, so old benchmarks don't transfer
The PreACT 9 Secure runs ~2.5 hours across four sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) vs. the CPS HSAT's 1 hour and two sections. Because the exams are so different, old benchmarks from the CPS HSAT won't carry over to the PreACT 9.

5. Cutoffs vary by tier and by all 11 selective enrollment high schools
Even with a fixed formula, there's no single cutoff — there are separate cutoffs for each of the 4 tiers across all 11 selective enrollment high schools, all recalculated from scratch this cycle with no prior-year anchor.

The bottom line: A target score needs a defined scale, a known applicant pool, and precedent. CPS has now given us the scale. The pool and precedent still won't exist until February of 2027, when all scores are released and initial offers have been sent. 

What this means practically
It is impossible to know what scores on the PreACT 9 will be required for entrance into Walter Payton, Northside or any other selective enrollment high school. While this uncertainty is very frustrating, remember that the PreACT 9 is a new test for everyone, so all families are in the same boat. Your student can succeed on the PreACT 9 with or without a target score; what's most important is that they go into the test prepared and confident so they can perform at their best.

Test Prep Chicago anticipated this change and prepared: we've already built a full PreACT 9 Secure curriculum, so students in our courses, Palooza workshops, and individual tutoring are training on content and strategies that match the actual exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here), one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here), and individual tutoring sessions (sign up here) will continue to run as planned. All of these test prep offerings will feature the new PreACT 9 Secure content and test-taking strategies instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum. Sign up now to help your student prepare!

Big Changes to CPS High School Admissions: What Parents Need to Know for 2027-28

If you're a Chicago parent whose child is applying to CPS high schools for the 2027-28 school year, some important changes have been made to the admissions process. Chicago Public Schools just released brand new information clarifying PreACT 9 scoring, the new point system, and tiebreakers. Below, Test Prep Chicago breaks down these changes, and how they may impact your student.

The New Point Scale
CPS has replaced its old 900-point system with a new 640-point system: 320 points from the PreACT 9 and 320 points from 7th-grade grades in English, science, math, and social studies. While the total amount of points has changed, the system's overall structure remains the same: 50% of a student's point total comes from the PreACT 9 and 50% comes from grades

PreACT 9 Scoring
The PreACT 9 Secure produces a composite score from 1 to 32, which CPS multiplies by 10 for up to 320 points. A 28 composite earns 280 points; a perfect 32 earns the full 320. Because CPS hasn't used this test before, families won't have prior years' score distributions, cutoff scores, or data to contextualize each student's performance, which is worth keeping in mind as results come in.

Grade Point Average Scoring
The remaining 320 points come from final 7th-grade grade (GPA) in core subjects. CPS multiplies the composite GPA by 80 to convert it into points, for a maximum of 320. A student with a 4.0 GPA earns the maximum, while a 3.0 GPA translates to 240 points. 

Final Score Calculation
Once both scores are calculated, they're simply added together to produce a total score out of 640 points. If your student wants to estimate their own score at home, this formula makes it easy to plug in real numbers and see where they stand. While this can be helpful, remember that since this is a new system, there's no prior-year data yet to compare test scores against. 

Additional Points
Certain programs award an additional 35 points to students who live within a school's designated geographic boundary, bringing the maximum possible score for those programs up to 675 points. Right now, this bonus applies to all IB programs and to Hubbard High School's University Scholars program. If you're applying to one of these programs and live nearby, that geographic bonus can make a real difference, so it's worth double-checking your address eligibility before applications close.

Tiebreakers
With thousands of students competing for a limited number of seats, ties are common, and CPS has a clear system for breaking them that works differently depending on the type of school.  Choice program, including IB, Military, Fine & Performing Arts, and CTE programs, use a computerized lottery. Selective enrollment schools compare PreACT 9 Math scores first, then Reading scores, and then fall back to a random lottery if still tied — meaning a slightly higher math score can be the deciding factor.  

What This Means for Your Student  
Because this rubric and exam are both new, there will be a learning curve this cycle for everyone: families, students, and even school staff alike. Test Prep Chicago anticipated this change and prepared: we've already built a full PreACT 9 Secure curriculum, so students in our courses, Palooza workshops, and individual tutoring are training on content and strategies that match the actual exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), featuring the new PreACT 9 Secure content and test-taking strategies instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum. Sign up now to help your student prepare!

If you have questions about how the transitions outlined in this blog will affect your student's application, you can always reach out to our team at 312-848-1266 or info@testprepchicago.com for more information. Check out our detailed overview page for more here!

Lane Tech College Prep: A Closer Look at One of Chicago’s Top Selective Enrollment High Schools

Leading up to the PreACT 9 this October, Test Prep Chicago is spotlighting all eleven CPS selective enrollment high schools, along with some of the city's top AP, IB, and Honors programs, right here on our blog. This week, we're taking a closer look at Lane Tech College Prep.

Lane Tech stands out for its blend of rigorous academics, an enormous course catalog, strong STEM offerings, and one of the broadest extracurricular programs in Chicago. Located on the North Side, the school has built its reputation on a strong college-prep curriculum paired with real room for students to explore.

Academically, Lane Tech offers an incredible breadth of courses. Students can take Honors and AP courses across math, science, English, social studies, computer science, world languages, and the arts, plus electives that stretch well beyond the standard curriculum, including psychology, economics, engineering, and environmental science.

For STEM-minded students, Lane Tech is especially strong. The school offers courses in engineering, robotics, computer science, programming, and digital design, along with specialized STEM pathways for students who want to go further in math, science, and tech.

World languages are another highlight of the high school experience at Lane. Students can choose from Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, and Arabic, with Honors and AP-level coursework available in several, giving students a chance to build fluency while exploring new cultures.

Outside the classroom, Lane Tech's extracurricular scene is impressive. Students can get involved in academic competitions, debate, journalism, student government, Model UN, and more. The arts have a strong presence, with programs in visual art, photography, ceramics, band, orchestra, choir, theatre, and creative writing. Athletics round things out, with teams in football, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, softball, swimming, wrestling, tennis, golf, bowling, and cross country.

Between the academics, the STEM and tech programs, the language offerings, and the sheer range of activities, Lane Tech gives students an unusually broad high school experience. This is a big reason the school remains one of Chicago's most sought-after selective enrollment programs. It's a great fit for students who want a serious academic challenge and strong STEM options, while still having the opportunity to explore creatively.

Admission to Lane Tech is competitive and based on seventh-grade core grades and the new PreACT 9. If your student is interested in attending Lane or another selective enrollment high school, Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9, helping them develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed. As a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program, we had been aware of the change from the CPS HSAT to the PreACT 9, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content and test-taking strategies they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content and test-taking strategies instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum. Sign up now to help your student prepare!

Lindblom Math and Science Academy: A Closer Look at One of Chicago’s Top Selective Enrollment High Schools

Leading up to the PreACT 9 this October, Test Prep Chicago will feature all eleven CPS selective enrollment high schools and some top AP, IB, and Honors high school programs in Chicago, breaking down each program and what makes them unique on our blog. This week, we're spotlighting Robert Lindblom Math and Science Academy.

Lindblom stands out for its combination of rigorous academics, STEM education, and unique world language opportunities. Located on Chicago's South Side, the school is known for its focus on math and science, though it also provides opportunities for students to explore technology, the arts, languages, and career-focused programs. 

One of Lindblom's greatest strengths is its advanced academic program. The school offers a rigorous curriculum with Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses across various subjects. Students can pursue advanced coursework in areas including math, science, English, social studies, world languages, and computer science. Lindblom has a strong STEM focus through its Biotechnology Center of Excellence, which gives students opportunities to explore biotechnology and lab science. For students interested in technology and engineering, Lindblom offers career and technical education pathways in Computer Networking, Game Programming and Web Development, Pre-Engineering, and a Teaching Academy. These programs allow students to connect classroom learning with practical skills and explore potential career interests before applying to university.

Beyond academics, Lindblom provides students with a wide range of extracurricular activities. Students can participate in academic organizations such as math team, science club, technology club, debate, journalism, chess, and yearbook, as well as service and leadership opportunities. The arts are another important part of the school community, with opportunities including band, orchestra, choir, dance, photography, graphic design, painting, ceramics, and theater. Lindblom also offers a broad athletics program, with sports including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, swimming, water polo, wrestling, golf, tennis, bowling, cross country, and track and field.

With its combination of selective enrollment academics, advanced coursework, specialized STEM programs, distinctive language opportunities, career-focused pathways, and diverse extracurricular activities, Lindblom offers students many ways to challenge themselves and discover their interests. It is a particularly strong fit for students drawn to math, science, technology, and engineering, but its arts, languages, athletics, and humanities opportunities make it much more than a STEM-focused school.

Admission to Lindblom is competitive and based on seventh-grade core grades and the new PreACT 9. If your student is interested in attending Lindblom or another selective enrollment high school, Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9, helping them develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed. As a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program, we had been aware of the change from the CPS HSAT to the PreACT 9, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content and test-taking strategies they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content and test-taking strategies instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum. Sign up now to help your student prepare!

King College Prep: Learn More About This Chicago Selective Enrollment High School!

Leading up to the PreACT 9 this October, Test Prep Chicago will feature all eleven CPS selective enrollment high schools and some top AP, IB, and Honors high school programs in Chicago, breaking down each program and what makes them unique on our blog. This week, we're spotlighting Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory High School.

King College Prep stands out for its commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and student engagement. Located in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, the school has built a reputation for preparing students not only for college but also for meaningful careers and life as active citizens. Its mission emphasizes academic growth, leadership, and social responsibility, creating an environment where students are encouraged to challenge themselves both inside and outside the classroom.

One of the school's greatest strengths is its rigorous academic program. King College Prep offers a comprehensive college prep curriculum, including honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses across a wide range of subjects. Students can take AP classes in disciplines such as English, math, science, social studies, world languages, and the arts, giving them opportunities to earn college credit while developing the study skills and critical thinking needed to succeed once they reach the university level. The school also offers career and technical education pathways, including Architectural Drafting, Computer Programming, Digital Media, and Project Lead the Way Pre-Engineering, allowing students to gain practical, career-focused experience before graduation. This makes King an ideal school for students sure of their future field of study or career path who are looking for the opportunity to grow and gain experience during high school. It is also an ideal program for students looking to experiment with a wide variety of subjects and potential careers before applying to colleges. King also offers inclusive special education services designed to maintain a strong college prep focus.

Beyond traditional academics, King College Prep provides students with diverse learning opportunities and extracurricular programs that support creativity and personal growth. The school's arts programs include band, jazz band, drama, choir, dance, piano, visual arts, graphic design, photography, AP Studio Art, and Art History. Students also have access to world language courses in French, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL), and academic organizations such as the math team, debate team, National Honor Society, science club, and philosophy club. Leadership opportunities are available through student council, peer leaders, and community service initiatives, while cultural organizations celebrate diversity and encourage civic engagement. All of these extracurricular opportunities allow students to learn valuable skills, cultivate friendships, and develop an acute awareness of their own interests and strengths.

Admission to King is competitive and based on seventh-grade core grades and the new PreACT 9. If your student is interested in attending King or another selective enrollment high school, Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9, helping them develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed. As a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program, we had been aware of the change from the CPS HSAT to the PreACT 9, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content and test-taking strategies they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content and test-taking strategies instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum. Sign up now to help your student prepare!

South Shore International College Prep: Discover What Makes This Selective Enrollment High School Special

Leading up to the PreACT 9, Test Prep Chicago will feature all eleven CPS selective enrollment high schools and some top AP, IB, and Honors high school programs in Chicago, breaking down each program and what makes them unique on our blog. This week, we're spotlighting South Shore International College Prep High School.

South Shore International College Prep High School is one of Chicago's selective enrollment high schools. Located in the South Shore neighborhood, South Shore is recognized for its rigorous academics, internationally focused curriculum, and commitment to preparing students for success in college and beyond. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, South Shore provides a challenging learning environment where students are encouraged to become critical thinkers, effective communicators, and engaged global citizens. 

Students at South Shore participate in a rigorous college prep curriculum built around the IB framework. During their freshman and sophomore years, students complete the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which emphasizes inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary thinking, and the development of strong research and communication skills. As juniors and seniors, students have the opportunity to pursue either the IB Diploma Programme or the IB Career-related Programme, both of which are internationally recognized for their academic rigor and emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and real-world application. Additionally, students in the IB Middle Years Programme complete the Personal Project, an independent research project, allowing them to explore a topic of personal interest. Students pursuing the full IB Diploma also complete the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) requirements. 

Beyond the classroom, students can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including academic clubs, student organizations, performing arts groups, community service opportunities, and athletics. As a result of its diverse extracurricular opportunities and rigorous academic and IB programs, South Shore attracts motivated students with diverse interests and aspirations. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves academically while developing the skills needed to succeed after graduation.

Admission to South Shore is competitive and based on seventh-grade core grades and the new PreACT 9. If your student is interested in attending South Shore or another selective enrollment high school, Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9, helping them develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed. As a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program, we had been aware of the change from the CPS HSAT to the PreACT 9, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content and test-taking strategies they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content and test-taking strategies instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum. Sign up now to help your student prepare!

Learn More About Hancock College Prep: What Makes this Selective Enrollment High School Unique?

Leading up to the PreACT 9, Test Prep Chicago will be featuring all eleven CPS selective enrollment high schools and some top AP, IB, and Honors high school programs in Chicago, breaking down each program and what makes them unique on our blog. This week, we're spotlighting Hancock College Preparatory High School.

Hancock College Preparatory High School is one of Chicago's selective enrollment high schools. Located in the Clearing neighborhood on Chicago's south side, Hancock is recognized for its rigorous academics, strong college preparatory curriculum, and commitment to helping students succeed in college and beyond. The school provides a supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to challenge themselves academically while developing the skills needed for future success.

Students at Hancock have access to a wide selection of Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including participation in the AP Capstone Diploma Program, allowing them to engage in college-level coursework across a variety of subject areas. In addition to its AP offerings, Hancock provides Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment opportunities through City Colleges of Chicago, giving students the chance to earn college credit while still in high school. The school also offers courses in STEM, world languages, fine arts, and a variety of electives that allow students to explore their academic interests. Beyond the classroom, students can participate in numerous extracurricular activities, including academic clubs, student organizations, performing arts, and IHSA athletics, giving them opportunities to develop leadership skills, collaborate with peers, and pursue their passions.

One of Hancock's distinctive academic opportunities is its participation in Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS), a nationally recognized program that allows students to work on engineering and design projects that address real-world needs in their communities. Combined with its challenging coursework and college-focused curriculum, these experiences help prepare students for a wide range of future academic and career pathways.

Hancock attracts motivated students with diverse interests and aspirations, from future engineers, scientists, healthcare professionals, and educators to artists, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. The school's emphasis on academic excellence, critical thinking, and college readiness creates an environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential while preparing for success after graduation.

Admission to Hancock is competitive and based on seventh-grade core grades and the new PreACT 9. If your student is interested in attending Hancock or another selective enrollment high school, Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9, helping them develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed. As a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program, we had been aware of the change from the CPS HSAT to the PreACT 9, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content and test-taking strategies they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content and test-taking strategies instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum. Sign up now to help your student prepare!

Spotlight on Westinghouse: Learn More about the Selective Enrollment High School in Chicago!

Leading up to the PreACT 9, Test Prep Chicago will be featuring all eleven CPS selective enrollment high schools and some top AP, IB, and Honors high school programs in Chicago, breaking down each program and what makes them unique on our blog. This week, we’re spotlighting George Westinghouse College Prep.

Westinghouse College Prep is one of Chicago’s selective enrollment high schools, located in the East Garfield Park neighborhood. Westinghouse offers a rigorous college-preparatory experience designed to challenge academically motivated students while providing opportunities to explore career interests and develop skills beyond the classroom. The school is distinctive in that it serves students through both its selective enrollment program and its Career Academy, creating a diverse school community with a strong emphasis on academic achievement, college readiness, and career preparation.

Academically, Westinghouse gives students extensive opportunities to take advanced coursework. The school offers a wide range of AP courses, providing students with the chance to pursue college-level material across a variety of subjects. Its advanced offerings include courses in subjects such as U.S. History and Computer Science, giving students opportunities to explore both traditional academic disciplines and STEM fields. These rigorous courses help students develop the analytical, writing, and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in college.

Westinghouse also stands out for the breadth of its extracurricular and career-focused opportunities. Students can participate in academic organizations such as debate, science and technology clubs, as well as creative programs including band, theater, art, photography, and other performing and visual arts opportunities. Athletics provide another avenue for students to get involved, with offerings including basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, baseball, swimming, cross country, track, wrestling, and softball. These activities give students opportunities to build leadership skills, collaborate with their peers, and pursue interests outside of their academic coursework.

For students interested in career exploration, Westinghouse offers particularly strong opportunities through its Career Academy and career-focused programming. The school combines college preparation with opportunities to explore technology, computer science, and other career-related fields, making it an appealing option for students who want to connect their academic studies with potential future careers. At the same time, Westinghouse emphasizes a rigorous curriculum and the support students need to succeed.

Westinghouse attracts students with a wide range of interests and aspirations, from future computer scientists, engineers, and business professionals to artists, athletes, writers, and community leaders. Its combination of selective enrollment academics, advanced coursework, career-focused programming, extracurricular activities, and student support creates an environment where students can challenge themselves while exploring the interests that will shape their futures. For families considering Chicago’s selective enrollment options, Westinghouse is especially noteworthy for the way it brings rigorous college preparation and career exploration together under one roof.

Admission to Westinghouse is competitive and based on seventh-grade core grades and the new PreACT 9. If your student is interested in attending Westinghouse or another selective enrollment high school, Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9, helping them develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed. As a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program, we had been aware of the change from the CPS HSAT to the PreACT 9, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content and test-taking strategies they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content and test-taking strategies instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum. Sign up now to help your student prepare!

Spotlight on Brooks College Prep: What Makes this CPS Selective Enrollment High School Unique?

Leading up to the PreACT 9, Test Prep Chicago will be featuring all eleven CPS selective enrollment high schools and some top AP, IB, and Honors high school programs in Chicago, breaking down each program and what makes them unique on our blog. This week, we’re spotlighting Brooks College Prep.

Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy is one of Chicago's selective enrollment high schools. The school is known for its strong academics, diverse student body, and commitment to preparing students for success in college and beyond. Located on the south side of Chicago in the West Roseland neighborhood, Brooks offers a challenging curriculum in a supportive environment where students are encouraged to grow as students, leaders, and members of their community.

Students have access to a wide variety of Honors and AP courses, as well as extracurricular activities that include athletics, fine arts, student organizations, and academic competitions. Brooks emphasizes both academic achievement and personal development, giving students opportunities to explore their interests while building the skills needed for college-level work. This makes Brooks an excellent choice for students seeking a rigorous education within a collaborative and welcoming school culture.

Brooks attracts motivated students with a wide range of interests, including future STEM majors, aspiring writers, artists, musicians, athletes, and community leaders. The school's diverse offerings allow students to pursue their passions while benefiting from the high expectations and academic rigor that define Chicago's selective enrollment programs. The school’s strong emphasis on leadership, service, and civic engagement set it apart from other selective enrollment high schools, encouraging students to make an impact both inside and outside the classroom.

Admission to Brooks is competitive and based on seventh-grade core grades and the new PreACT 9. If your student is interested in attending Brooks or another selective enrollment high school, Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9, helping them develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed. As a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program, we had been aware of the change from the CPS HSAT to the PreACT 9, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content and test-taking strategies they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content and test-taking strategies instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum. Sign up now to help your student prepare!